FOR the second time in a week, Southport held their own against Football League opposition, coming from behind to earn a creditable draw with Fleetwood Town.

Seven days after they overcame Chesterfield, captain Jamie Milligan scored a penalty against his former club as the Sandgrounders impressed again in their preparations for the new campaign.

Milligan scored on the brink of half-time, executing a well-taken kick after Chris Almond had drawn a handball from Liam Hogan.

With better finishing, the Sandgrounders would have scored more, Steven Tames missing two glorious chances in a match that again saw the home side produce some promising football.

Tames twice shot at goalkeeper Scott Davies when through on goal, while Almond had an angled effort deflected wide by Stuart Murdock.

With the opening game of the season now a fortnight away, the majority of Alan Wright’s starting XI lasted most of the afternoon, including full-backs Matty Challoner and David Fitzpatrick, who both signed for the club ahead of the game.

Fleetwood, in their final match before the Sky Bet League Two season begins, created a number of early chances. James Smith blocked a shot from Steven Schumacher on the line amid a goalmouth scramble, before David Ball also went close.

Ball opened the scoring for the visitors on 25 minutes when a shot from Murdock was fumbled by goalkeeper Danny Hurst, allowing the Fleetwood striker to capitalise.

Southport equalised through Milligan, but for all the home side’s patient play, they lacked a presence in the final third and missed a cutting edge.

As manager Wright completes his preparations for the season ahead, a centre forward will doubtless be a priority.

Southport’s good play continued in the second half but rarely was the scoring threatened. Fleetwood’s Ryan Cresswell missed the target with a free header and Jamille Matt was denied by keeper Hurst.